Food Regulations (Offences)

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the comparatively junior officers of a unit of 54 Group, Training Command, who, by excess of zeal made false entries on Form 658, were mistaken in thinking that they were carrying out the requirements of their senior officers.

In employing Service transport on the business of the farm, the junior officers undoubtedly had grounds for believing that they were carrying out the requirements of their Commanding Officer, but the full inquiry which was held revealed no evidence that the commanding officer was aware that when Service transport was used false entries were made on Forms 658. The Commander-in-Chief fixed responsibility for the false entries and disciplinary action was taken.

Senior officers on the station were perfectly entitled to buy foodstuffs but of course on a large station like this, with a floating population of many thousands of air crews under training, it was quite out of the question that the commanding officer should be aware how every motor transport vehicle performed its task.

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what date were the irregularities in 54 Group exposed by the officers concerned; who actually asked that an investigation should take place; what are the names of the officers who made that request; to whom was it made; and in what form.

A request for an investigation into the management of the farm including the application of the Food Regulations was made by the commanding officer of the station to the Group Headquarters in an official minute on 20th October, 1943.